tzqng8

Water Parameters:

30g Community:
ammonia - .25ppm
Nitrites - 0ppm
Nitrates - 5ppm

5g Hex (Mori)
Ammonia - .25ppm
Nitrites - 0ppm
Nitrates - 0ppm

Mori's tank is still confusing me... It took 4 days for it to build up any trace of Ammonia and that is the first time it has tested positive for any since the day I set it up. I think I'll ask Martini's Mommy what her readings are from these tanks, normally.

The Community tank is still, obviously cycling, much to my chagrin. The last Brochis splendens was dead when I got home, as Gabby had told me. What a downer. All of the catfish placed into the tank have passed away. The 6 Tiger Barbs and the 1 male Red Wag Tail Swordy are doing well. They are extremely active and seemed to really be enjoying the tank. The follow me around the tank when I am working on it. Quite cute.

When I went to PetSmart last time to exchange one of the Cory's, there was a gentleman there that asked about the dead fella. He said that he has never had any luck in any of his tanks with catfish because of the hardness of the water locally (it is rated as complete hardness, whatever that means). He suggested I not try them anymore. I think I'll listen to him.

I began logging all of the water parameters into a nice little Excel spreadsheet. Maybe I'll make a generic one to be used by anyone and upload it here. I find it helpful and it could be really good to spot trends. Most people probably have already done this, but perhaps not. We'll see.

Did a water change on both tanks last night. Still find it very strange that the water right from my tap is about 79 degrees F when on full cold. Guess it makes water changes easier. Not very good for ice water, though.

Blub

What is your pH? Fish can generally adjust to most pH's...

If you are sick of Catfish, look into cockatoo apistos once your tank is running straight again. You won't regret it!

I think the Safe Start stuff works for about a week but then stops working perhaps from your results... I'm not sure.

tzqng8

PH is 8.2. It isn't so much the pH as it is the hardness. They are generally reflective of one another, but in this case, apparently it is specifically the hardness that bothers them. I don't even know if that is true.

A Cichlid with the Barb's and Swordtail? Would that work out alright do you think?

Also, my Cory's began dying on Day 2 of using the SafeStart, so I don't think it even worked for a week. For whatever reason, it just didn't seed for me.

Shawnie

Hi THOMAS

first off, mori isnt a huge pooper and for waste to build up with just him, will take a bit...his water changes will keep him healthy and shouldnt be too bad in a 5 gallon...

second, catfishies are very sensitive to ammonia and will get hit first ...thats been all of my experiences with them anyway..so I refused to get anymore until I was cycled totally...now my corys are great..thank god..but not until after I lost so many not knowing about the cycle....still not gonna let u beat yaself up about it or else im making you a see thru kilt!!!

as far as hardness, driftwood helps that alot ive heard...and with mori, you could buy him springwater if you are worried...5 gallons isnt much when you only change about 50% then after cycled, less than that...

Blub

I've found driftwood to not alter my pH at all - even the tannins it releases seem to 'not work'. I think it's a kind of buffer.

Well, Apistos might not like a pH of 8.2, but kribensis would! They are cool little cichlids that are very colourful.

Shawnie

maybe its the types of driftwood ..not really sure..but ive read it does help so hmmm couldnt hurt to try it right

tzqng8

MM and I spoke through PM's about it a bit. I'll just keep doing water changes for him. It is fairly theraputic with him since I just use a plastic cup and an old plastic milk jug.

I'm not beating myself up about it so much as just saying that Catfish kind of make me ill to my stomach right now. Everytime I think of them, I see my poor dead one's.

I'm not worried about Mori at all. He's been good since day one and is happy as a clam. I'm buying him a nice bubbler for his tank today. \

If I get a larger tank one day, I'd like to do a more natural aquascape with driftwood, rockscaping, and Cichlid's. That is far into the future, though, if ever. Once we get the house, I'll be more interested in getting a pond up and going. That should be near and dear to YOUR heart.

Shawnie

ponds are dear to my heart!

someday sooN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blub

You could do a natural aquascape on your tanks right now... Add some live plants (I can help!), rocks and wood and rip out the flourecant pink corals and plastic divers - I did just that and never looked back!

I personally think as long as you are not stupid with fish selection, pH is one of the last problems you are ever going to have as an aquarist.

tzqng8

I know I could do a natural scape now, I don't want to. Not ready for live plants and my wife really enjoys the tank as it is right now. It is an idea for a future tank, if I get one.

As for pH, it isn't something I am worrying about. Before I got the fish in the tank, it was a concern, but I already posted about it here weeks ago and was told not to worry. After doing my own research after that, I haven't thought much about it.

Blub

What did you think to my idea of Kribs as Bottom dwellers instead of cats then? I think they would make great fish for your tank - and 8.2 happens to be a really good pH for them.

tzqng8

I like it, but according to LiveAquria, it needs a minimum 50g tank. You think that it would be okay in 30g? I haven't much thought about new stocking. Scared to until the tank cycles!

Blub

The FishLore profile says 30gals. That's what I've read most other places as well.

tzqng8

For sure something I will keep in mind then. Everything I am reading says that it should get along good with the Barbs and the Swordtail.